What does the GPC-EP offer?

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive the Governance Professionals of Canada Designation: GPC.D.

As holders of the GPC.D designation, graduates of the program will have an unparalleled advantage of having acquired what sets the accepted education standard in the practice of governance in Canada.

Why should I obtain GPC.D?

As a holder of the GPC.D designation, you will stand out in your field as a top professional with the most current up-to-date knowledge in the latest best governance practices. The GPC.D will allow designation holders to be more pro-active in gaining professional recognition and in building their career profile within their organization and industry as well as:

How long is the Program?

The GPC-EP delivers critical and relevant content for governance professionals in a condensed, rigorous program consisting of three (3), two and a half day (2 1/2) courses, for a total of 7.5 days, that are offered multiple times throughout the year, enabling busy professionals to complete the courses in a schedule that works for them.

Who Can Enroll?

Anyone with an interest or role in governance is encouraged to take the program. Members of Governance Professionals of Canada will have priority seating in the offerings, ensuring their spot in the program.

Are there any requirements to maintain the GPC.D?

As a holder of the GPC.D you are required to complete a minimum of 36 ‘Governance Education Credits’ (GECs) over 3 years (or 12 per year) and to maintain your membership in the GPC in good standing, in order to retain the designation. Click here for more detail.

What time commitment should I expect to make as a student in this program?

You should expect to commit between 4-10 hours per courses in addition to class time, to review and complete any readings, assignments or case studies that may be required.

How do I earn the GPC.D designation?

You will need to complete all three courses within a 2-year window, along with the multiple-choice/true false exams. At the completion of all three courses in the program, you will need to complete and submit one final case study on a topic that will be determined.

The grade for passing each multiple-choice exam is 65%. The final case study will be graded as a pass or fail.

When does the next GPC-EP Course?

What is the cost of this program?

The cost of the GPC-EP program is quite competitive when comparing it to other executive level education programs in Canada.

• GPC member price: $7,550 + HST
  
• Non Member price: $8,250 + HST (includes the cost of ONE YEAR GPC membership and processing fee)

You can register online on the GPC website: Governance Professionals of Canada Education Program (GPC-EP)

Do you have to pay the full cost of the program all at once?

Yes, individuals must pay the entire program cost before the program begins, upon registering.

On a case-by-case basis, we can offer flexible payment options. You will be asked to sign-off on an agreement that you intend to complete the entire program and pay the entire amount by a fixed date. All funds my must be received in full a minimum of 30 days prior to attending their final course.

Please contact education@gpcanada.org if you require any assistance.

I am not interested in pursuing the certification but would still like to enroll in one the course as a stand-alone course. Is that possible?

Yes. Each GPC course will be opened to individuals interested only in the CLE/CPD credits. Individuals registering for single course will not have access to the course examination and will not qualify for the GPC.D certification.

Can I convert to the Education Program after taking 1 or 2 courses as a Stand-Alone?

You may register for any of the courses as a standalone for professional development learning opportunity, and then switch to the full program (receiving the packaged rate) after taking one course. You must still complete all 3 courses within a two-year period.

Please note that the rates will vary, as the Education Program pricing is bundled and therefore more economical than the standalone course fees, and there will be an additional $250.00 Administration fee to make the change.

Please contact education@gpcanada.org if you require any assistance.

What happens if I fail the examinations?

There is one multiple-choice exam following the completion of each of the three courses of the program, and one final case study once all have been passed. The grade for passing each multiple choice exam is 65%. If one of the courses examinations is not passed, or there is a fail mark on the final case study, you will have the opportunity to write it again for up to 3 attempts per exam. For each new attempt, you will be charged $125 + HST administration fee.

What happens if I fail my case study?

At the completion of all three courses and online exams you will have to complete one final case study. Please allow 4-6 weeks for grading. You will only receive a pass or fail mark. If you receive a fail grade, you will have the opportunity to write it again, up to 1 attempt you will be charged $125 + HST administration fee for your 2nd attempt.

Does the cost of $7550 + HST include accommodations/meals for each of the three course?

For the courses offered in-person, 2 meals per day are included (breakfast and lunch on day one and two and breakfast on day 3) – travel and accommodations are not included but a preferred hotel rate will be sourced for the group.

The rate of the program does not change for the courses offered online.

Is there an online learning component incorporated to reduce the overall fee?

All pre-course material will be made available up to 3 weeks prior to the course start date.. In-class materials will also be available up to 3 days prior to the course start date. All materials can be downloaded and saved at your leisure. In-class material will only be available up to the final 20th days of your examination?.

The rate of the program does not change for the courses offered on-line as it is the cost of the content & delivery for the program.

When will the exam take place and how do I write it?

There will be a multiple-choice/true false examination after each course. All exams will be offered on-line. You can choose to complete the exam after each course (recommended) or take all three after your third course.

A grade of 65% in each exam portion is required in order to be considered for certification.

When will I complete the final case study?

In addition to the three multiple choice examinations, there will also be a case study portion at the end of the third course. You will need to complete the case on your own within a 20-day timeframe of receiving the instruction. Case study submission will be sent electronically.

Can I take the certification courses in any order?

We recommend taking the courses in sequence, (Foundations, Applied and Strategic) however recognize that due to scheduling that may not always be possible. As long as you complete the pre-read information you should be okay.

Will these courses qualify for CLE/CPD credits?

• Law Society of Saskatchewan
  
• Foundations of Governance, 17.5 hours
  
• Applied Governance, 17.5 hours
  
• Strategic Governance, 17.5 hours & 3.5 qualify for Ethics
  
• Law Society of British Columbia
  
• Foundations of Governance, 17.5 hours
  
• Applied Governance, 24 hours
  
• Strategic Governance, 17 hours
  
• The Law Society of Ontario
• Pending Approval
  

What course materials are included with the program?

As a registrant for the certification program you will receive online access to course materials.

If you are registered for the stand-alone only you will also have access to all online course materials.

Pre-read materials for all course will be sent 3 weeks prior to the session start date. In-class material will be made available up to 3 days prior to the course start date.

Recommended textbooks can be purchased as an option for reference. GPC Education Program discount rates may apply.

Please contact education@gpcanada.org if you require any assistance.

What is the cancellation policy?

• If cancelling the program in its entirety outside of 2 months prior to taking your first course, the program fee will be refunded with a cancellation penalty of $500.
  
• If cancelling the program within 3 weeks of taking your first course, the program fee will be refunded with a cancellation penalty of $1,000.
  
• If cancellation occurs during or after the first module has been started, there will be no further refunds.
  
• Companies or individuals may be able to transfer their registration to another individual only if cancellation occurs prior to taking the first course only, or individuals may be able to transfer their registration to another individual only if cancellation occurs prior to taking the first of the 3 courses only.